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Entertainment Reporter: Lily Khuu | Video Journalist: Sarah Woodward

Alison Bechdel was best known her long-running comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For before her graphic novel Fun Home was adapted into a musical. She is also the creator of the Bechdel Test, which observes fictional productions with two women and determines if it’s possible for the storyline to continue without either woman talking about a man.

Alison Bechdel, American cartoonist and author of ‘Fun Home’

A panel from Alison Bechdel’s comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For

The Bechdel Test being used on a list of popular films

As I reported in a previous article, AfterEllen went to Dallas Pride this year, thanks to the good people at Visit LGBT Dallas. Our first night in the city started off with an emotional bang with a viewing of Fun Homethe musical at the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Winspear Opera House. The theatrical production portrays the life of American cartoonist Alison Bechdel, and stays true to the original graphic novel. It’s a lively, bittersweet adventure through adult Bechdel’s eyes as she observes her childhood and adolescence acted out on stage.

Kate Shindle performing the role of Alison Bechdel in the musical Fun Home

We were taken on a heartfelt journey through Bechdel’s formative years, first lover, her coming out process, and the tragedies she had to overcome in the midst of her tumultuous self-discovery.

Fun Home has won five Tony Awards including Best Musical. Backstage at the ATT&T Performing Arts Center we interviewed the leading cast members Kate Shindle, who plays adult Alison Bechdel, and Victoria Janicki, who portrays Alison’s first lover Joan.

Kate Shindle who plays the role of adult Alison Bechdel in the musical Fun Home

Kate Shidle (adult Alison), shared that the Fun Home broadway production team has been on tour for a year, having started last year in October. They have traveled all over the U.S. and will continue to perform in theaters in different cities.

“It’s been a pretty complete trip everywhere from more conservative areas to super liberal areas.”

Victoria Janicki who portrays the character of Joan, Alison Bechdel’s first lover

The cast members talked about how portraying certain aspects of Alison Bechdel’s life helped them with their own self growth. Victoria Janicki, who plays the role of Alison’s first lover, Joan, reflects on the message behind her character.

“It’s okay to be a strong woman! For me, Victoria, I want to be that woman for other women.”

You can find out when Fun Home will be in your city by checking their tour dates on their website HERE.